News

Fremont may use eminent domain process to buy land needed for proposed downtown

By Chris De Benedetti The Argus

Posted:
05/31/2013 04:20:20 PM PDT

Updated:
06/03/2013 10:56:36 AM PDT

FREMONT -- The City Council on Tuesday will consider using the eminent domain process to acquire a parcel considered crucial for the city's proposed downtown area.

The 65,150 square-foot property is at 39138 Fremont Blvd., between Mowry and Beacon avenues.

Fremont officials are trying to purchase it for the Capitol Avenue extension project, which would connect Paseo Padre Parkway and Fremont Boulevard.

According to the city's Downtown Community Plan, an extended Capitol Avenue would help increase the traffic flow and access needed to make the area a pedestrian-friendly retail destination, helping to create an urban center with a mix of businesses.

To extend Capitol Avenue, the city must acquire the Fremont Boulevard parcel, on which a three-story building stands, according to city officials. The building was constructed in 1979 and has several tenants.

In February, city officials say they made a written offer to purchase the land from its owner, a Southern California-based firm called Fremont Capital Group, LLC. More than three months later, the property owner's representatives have not responded to the offer, according to a Fremont staff report.